The Tanning Facility Permit Act, (210 ILCS 145) became effective July 1, 1992.  The Tanning Facility Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 795) became effective December 7, 1992.  This requires all facilities providing access to ultraviolet radiation emitting devices for cosmetic purposes to submit an application and be licensed with the Illinois Department of Public Health for a permit to operate. Permit fees are $250 for the first year and $150 each year thereafter, provided the permit has not expired.

Effingham County Health Department conducts inspections of each tanning facility in Effingham County to ensure their operations are compliant with the Illinois Tanning Facilities Code and the Tanning Facility Permit Act.  Facilities are inspected at least annually to determine compliance with various provisions including:  equipment labeling and general operation, verification of appropriate ultraviolet lamps, accurate equipment timers, clients’ use of protective eyewear, trained operators on duty, recordkeeping of clients’ visits, and sanitation.  Inspectors may place embargoes on tanning units observed to present a health hazard, removing the units from service until found to be in compliance upon re-inspection.

Any person interested in obtaining a permit to operating a tanning facility, whether it is a new or existing facility, must request the informational packet from Melissa Estes at the Illinois Department of Public Health, 217-782-7532. The package consists of the Illinois Tanning Facilities Code, an Application Form, and the guidelines of the operating procedure.